Our Teachers
Our Founder:
Born in Tibet and resident in the West since 1977, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time, he has published a series of remarkable books on Buddhist thought and meditation. By setting a perfect example, Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, the need to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others. He is a humble Buddhist monk dedicated to helping people throughout the world find true happiness in their hearts. More...
General Spiritual Director
Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the elected General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union.
Gen-la Dekyong has studied and practised Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
As General Spiritual Director, her responsibilities include giving Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerments, granting ordination, and instructing Kadampa Teachers from around the world on the International Teacher Training Program.
Gen-la is also the Resident Teacher at Manjushri - Kadampa Meditation Centre in England, the Mother centre of Kadampa Buddhism, and teaches at International and National Festivals, as well as Dharma Celebrations throughout the world.
Gen-la Dekyong provides an inspiring example of a modern-day Kadampa practitioner for us to follow. Students around the world are moved by her faith and devotion to her Spiritual Teacher and her commitment to benefiting others.
National Spiritual Director:
Gen Kelsang Thekchen is the National Spiritual Director of Canada and Barbados and Resident Teacher of Chandrakiriti Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada (CKMCC) in Toronto, Canada. Ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1998, Gen Thekchen is renowned for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making it easy to put into practice.
Gen Thekchen has visited the community here in Barbados several times, and with his support, he had inspired the founding members to request a full time Teacher and helped create the causes for the Tara Centre to arise.
Resident Teacher:
Kelsang Oden has recently returned to Barbados after living in Canada for many years. In 2004 she provided our first link to Buddha’s teachings as presented by Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, and has since taken a keen interest in our development. Kelsang Oden teaches clearly and warmly, ensuring that everyone can benefit.